4-Aminobutanal

4-Aminobutanal, also known as γ-aminobutyraldehyde, 4-aminobutyraldehyde, or GABA aldehyde, is a metabolite of putrescine and a biological precursor of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).^[1][2] It can be converted into GABA by the actions of diamine oxidase (DAO) and aminobutyraldehyde dehydrogenase (ABALDH) (e.g., ALDH9A1).^[1] Putrescine is converted into 4-aminobutanal via monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B).^[3][4][5] However, biosynthesis of GABA from polyamines like putrescine is a minor metabolic pathway in the brain.^[1]

4-Aminobutanal

Names
IUPAC name 4-aminobutanal
Other names γ-Aminobutyraldehyde; gamma-Aminobutyraldehyde; 4-Aminobutyraldehyde; GABA aldehyde
Identifiers
CAS Number	4390-05-0
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChEBI	CHEBI:17769
ChEMBL	ChEMBL2261442
ChemSpider	115
KEGG	C00555
PubChem CID	118
InChI InChI=1S/C4H9NO/c5-3-1-2-4-6/h4H,1-3,5H2 Key: DZQLQEYLEYWJIB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES C(CC=O)CN
Properties
Chemical formula	C4H9NO
Molar mass	87.122 g·mol−1
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

The related compound γ-hydroxybutyraldehyde (GHBAL) is a prodrug of γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) as well as a metabolic intermediate in the conversion of 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) into GHB.^[6][7] However, aliphatic aldehydes like GHBAL are caustic, strong-smelling, and foul-tasting, and ingestion is likely to be unpleasant and result in severe nausea and vomiting.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• N-Acetyl-γ-aminobutyraldehyde (N-acetyl-GABAL)